エゴイスト

Egoist

I had little knowledge of the author before I began reading this, and had only heard of the movie in passing, though I specifically planned to read this book before watching the movie.

This was my first time reading anything by the late Asada (writing here under the pen name Takayama), but I have to say that I quite enjoy his writing style. It has a weightlessness to it that yet conveys a lot of feeling with only a few words. I felt like the writing was straightforward and without frills, which some people like and some dislike. For me, it made it easier to feel for the characters and be transported into their lives.

As much as it's story, it's also an autobiographical pouring of the heart. I was thankful for the epilogue by actor Ryohei Suzuki, who plays the main character in the movie, for showing his deep respect for the author and his story.

Tragedy notwithstanding, for the most part it's a rather lighthearted closeup of Kosuke and Ryuta's relationship even as they make their way through the usual ups and down. I didn't initially think about this book much after finishing reading it, but if you can stomach the tragic development towards the latter half of the book and are interested in a bit of earnest and simple slice of life which surprisingly stays with you, I can recommend this one.